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Maclaren out to rekindle goal-scoring touch in Scotland

He admits it’s premature to be talking about a Caltex Socceroos call-up but Jamie Maclaren says he’s happy to be back scoring goals after a difficult spell in Germany.

Maclaren, 24, joined German outfit SV Darmstadt in 2017 but struggled to break into the first team, making just seven substitute appearances in the league.

But after joining Scottish outfit Hibernian on loan in January, Maclaren has already made three appearances and scored the winning goal in his side’s 2-1 upset win over Rangers last week.

And the former Roar attacker hopes it’s the first of many for his new club, adding that his belief hadn’t wavered despite a lean run in front of goal.

“I love the big occasions and when the penalty was awarded, I just ran straight to the ball. I just put my laces through it. It’s a feeling you can’t explain and it was long overdue," Maclaren told Edinburgh News.

“I’ll never lose confidence in my ability in front of goal but, if you’d told me two months back, I’d join Hibs and score the winner against Rangers, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“Hopefully, it will remind people I’m still here, still scoring goals and hopefully I can kick on from here and enjoy this last half of the season with Hibs.

“I feel like I have unfinished business. I have a lot of energy and motivation to succeed here after a frustrating few months.”

Maclaren made five appearances under former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou but failed to cement a permanent position in the national team.

With new coach Bert van Marwijk recently taking charge of the team, Maclaren is hopeful of pushing his claims with an eye on June’s World Cup in Russia.

“It’s premature to be talking too much about the Socceroos. I need to be playing and scoring to be even considered,” Maclaren said.

“I’ve always thought if I’m doing well I’ll have a good chance of selection because I bring a different aspect to the team in terms of going forward.

“I’m a born goal-scorer, it’s what I live and breathe. Hopefully I can impress the new boss, keep scoring goals, keep myself in the headlines and keep fit.”